"The Gripping Beast"
This contemporary mystery story was written by Margot Wadley, and is her first mystery novel. Her auspicious debut was heralded with St. Martin's/Malice Domestic Award.
The main character is Isabel Garth, a young American woman who has come to the northern coast of Scotland to find a sense of peace after the death of her father. Her need to connect with her past is also a key to her own well-being. She meets many colorful characters on the island, including Thora, a supposed Viking witch, who foretells danger for Isabel.
The story progresses with the rich historical setting and events that find Isabel even more confused about her father and his past in Scotland. She is drawn into search for hidden treasure amid the monuments of Scottish history, and has to be on her guard at all times because it seems that someone is shadowing her every move. A murder that shocks everyone on the island brings Isabel even closer to danger.
This is a brooding, emotional story that combines elements of the modern day with folklore and tales from the past. Isabel is a strong woman, but she is fragile and unsure of herself as pieces of her past and her father's past begin to fall into place. I enjoyed the richly described setting and the personalities of the characters on the island as well. The story is multi-layered, and offers a challenge to the reader to solve the mystery before it's revealed in the end. It takes you to a place where you might never get to go, but you'll feel like you've already been.
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